TL;DR Consider quick options like frozen waffles, oatmeal, or breakfast muffins. Prep ahead to save time and keep a variety to prevent boredom.
Frozen and Pre-made Options
Many parents find success with frozen breakfast items that can be quickly prepared, such as waffles, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches [1:1]
[4:2]. Brands like Kodiak offer protein-rich versions that are more filling
[1:3]
[3:1]. These can be paired with fruits or yogurt for a balanced meal. Breakfast muffins, which can be made in advance and frozen, provide another versatile option
[5:2].
On-the-Go Breakfasts
For families who need breakfast on the go, options like smoothies, protein bars, and fruit can be convenient [2:2]
[4:5]. Meal-prepped egg sandwiches using muffin tins can be eaten cold or warmed up quickly
[2:2]. Pop tarts or granola bars are also easy to grab when rushing out the door
[4:1].
Simple Homemade Meals
Oatmeal is a popular choice due to its simplicity and ability to be customized with various toppings like peanut butter, chocolate chips, or fruits [5:1]. Instant oatmeal packets are particularly quick, though they may contain added sugars
[5:9]. Toast with almond or peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, or cheese toast are other simple homemade meals
[5:7].
Variety and Non-Traditional Options
Parents are encouraged to think beyond traditional breakfast foods. Leftovers from dinner, noodles, fried rice, or even pizza can serve as breakfast if they provide a good balance of carbs and protein [5:6]. This approach can help accommodate picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions, such as allergies to eggs
[5:5].
Preparation and Routine
Establishing a routine and preparing meals in advance can ease morning stress. Practicing getting up earlier and having trial runs before school starts can help children adjust to the new schedule [2:4]
[2:5]. Batch cooking over the weekend or planning meals ahead of time can ensure a smoother morning transition
[4:6].
This isn’t really a daycare question but no other flair worked. My son is going to kindergarten in the fall. We have been very spoiled and his daycare has always provided breakfast. Once he starts school I’ll have to feed him before we go. I also have an infant I’ll have to get ready in addition to myself. Do you have any quick and easy breakfast ideas for kids? I know the usual scrambled eggs and fruit but he’s going to get sick of that quick. I’d like to have a rotation of ideas that also will fill him up.
Thanks in advance!
Kodiak makes protein pancakes (in the freezer section). Or if you'd prefer, make your own and then freeze them.
We're big on bagel w/cream cheese or greek yogurt w/topping (cereal, fruit, sprinkles, sometime a combo of two or three).
We do the Kodiak protein waffles and french toast sticks! Typically one of those, or toast with almond butter / peanut butter / avocado. Always some sort of fruit, he's very into strawbs at the moment. Sometimes a scrambled egg if we have time to heat up the stove. My husband isn't above doing cut up veggies or food that's going in the lunch box, either, haha.
We use these too. They have a blueberry waffle so I feel like my kiddo gets some fruit.
Evergreen also makes these frozen waffles that include veggies that are good!
We get a lot of mileage from frozen breakfast sandwiches or breakfast burritos (you can meal prep your own or buy them in the freezer section) and oatmeal + a banana with peanut butter.
Can they eat at school? When we lived in California I dropped off when the gates opened and they had 20 minutes to eat before school started. Our current school only lets kids with free or reduced lunch get the school breakfast cause Indiana.
Today mine ate strawberries and a fruit bar in the car on the way to camp.
Frozen waffles or pancakes (homemade or store bought), muffins (if you make them I find muffins freeze well), cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie. Maybe egg “muffins” that you can make ahead and they can be made with a variety of add ins. I keep those bag of muffins, fruit and granola or protein bars around for the mornings mine are picky or we are even more rushed.
My kids are starting school this year, and we are (as a family) slowwwww movers in the morning. I am really unsure how well we're all going to manage getting them in the car by 7:40 at the LATEST when, currently, they usually sleep till 7:30 and then dilly dally over breakfast till, I dunno, 8:30?
I'm wondering if it would be helpful to have some breakfasts prepped for them to eat during the drive for the days we can't quite make it happen. I'm thinking of things that aren't crazy messy (no melty chocolate, sticky crumbs, etc.), easy to eat relatively quickly, not too sugary and with a good shot of protein. Anyone on here have ideas to share? :)
Something my partner and I used to make a ton of was egg sandwiches. We'd use a muffin tin to bake scrambled eggs into pucks, and then we'd put them on English muffins, wrap them, and freeze them. A quick toast or microwave and they'd be good to go. Could add cheese, sausage patties, bacon, ham, or whatever other kind of protein. And tbh if you're really in a rush they're fine to eat cold or room temp, if you just wanna let it thaw on the way to wherever since they're fully cooked.
Another thing that could work for you is smoothies. I know they sell the frozen fruit mixes at most grocery stores, but you could obvs use fresh. Put them in thermoses so they can get some mileage out of them without them melting/getting warm. I've had the best luck with a metal one that actually perfectly fits my stick blender so I didn't have to bust out the big one LOL. But yeah you can do a lot with them. I usually add peanut butter or Greek yogurt for protein. If you're trying to get them to eat more veggies, one of my fave recipes is actually just a ripe banana, a handful of spinach, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and a dash each of cinnamon and cardamom. Add ice and blend. Looks like pea soup, tastes like vanilla ice cream.
Remake and freeze your own waffles/pancakes
Smoothies
Breakfast wraps
Muffins
Biscuits
start getting them into the practice now of getting up when they need to be up in order to get out the door on time.
Not food recs, but you need to start practicing now :)
Oh definitely. We are on vacation right now but the minute we get home the trial runs begin!
I agree with other comments that it may be worth your time to practice getting up and eating breakfast efficiently and getting in the car. It's a lot to have something "prepped" for every single morning. Especially if it has to be car-friendly. My children rotate between frozen protein waffles/pancakes, pancake sausage on a stick, and one of my kids really likes a bagel. No trad wife time to make anything from scratch. I just try to get them to eat something that's pretty hearty and filling to start their day. Kindergarten with my first kid was a struggle but we all have the routine down to a science now and it's no big deal to get up, dressed, eat, brush teeth and out the door.
Helpful, thanks!
3.5yo and 1.5yo…
Im running out of breakfast ideas guys. The little one won’t eat eggs, and neither of them like any sort of meat, no matter how it’s presented/prepared.
I’m tired of making pancakes, it’s time consuming and messy. I feel berries ( which they love) are not filling, and they can be expensive.
Anyone have any breakfast ideas they’ve had success with? Bonus points for something that can be prepared in bulk to save me some time in the morning.
I've never cooked breakfast for my kid, he's always just got cereal with yoghurt or jam on toast.
Cereal? I do my daughter a mix of Coco pops, rice Krispies, mini. Weetabix and apricot wheats
Dude!!!!! Perfect for your situation. Dutch babies somewhere crossed between eggs a pastry and custard and delicious. We had our friends kids over last year and this what we made them and they loved them. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/23898/dutch-babies-ii/
Just get frozen waffles or cereal.
Try Kodiak pancakes. They're protein pancakes so a little more filling. My wife will make a big batch and freeze them so just have to pop them in the microwave or toaster. Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is another good option. Our son loves oatmeal as well.
Does anyone have go to breakfast recipes for mornings on the go? My son started medication this weekend, and while it's easy to feed him a nice big breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, the weekdays will be another story. We usually rush out with beef jerky and juice 🫣 I want to provide him with a nourishing "on the go" breakfast. This may be a challenge as he....hates eggs 😔
High protein frozen pancakes or waffles are my go to for a fast breakfast. We don’t do syrup and they can be eaten in the car. Maybe a smoothie?
Meal prep some breakfast sandwiches-sausage patty and cheese? You can freeze them and pop them in the microwave.
Batch cook pancakes over the weekend.
This is what we do, too. Throw them in the toaster while my kid is going to the bathroom / brushing teeth so they are ready right after
I have a rushing morning during the weekends also.
2 protein bars, an apple, a banana, and a Yogurt to eat in the car have been our healthy choice to go.
Greetings
2 protein bars? Teach me your ways. Which one does your kid like enough to eat 2?
Look for "Power Crunch" (branch) Kids high-protein it's only $5.88 a box of 5 bars. Tasty, my daughter loves it.
Greetings.
Thankfully my kiddo’s district does breakfast before school. But my boys often have a pop tart or nutrigrain bar otw to school. One of my boys will drink the carnation instant breakfast drinks.
Idk if this is allowed so delete if it isn’t.
I’m a SAHM of 2yo twins and I have ADHD. Something I can’t seem to get a hold on is breakfast. I make a meal plan for it and if I get two out of seven breakfast together we are doing good for the week.
I just can’t seem to get it together. They want breakfast pretty much when they wake up. I have one twin who is allergic to eggs and they switch plates so no eggs for anyone.
Any suggestions or ideas would be awesome!
Breakfast muffins? You can make them ahead of time and freeze, and then just microwave them in the morning. You can make them sweet or savoury, and there are heaps of variations to help keep things interesting. Serve with a piece of fruit and/or yoghurt and you're pretty much set!
I'm impressed that your kids will touch all those things. Mine eat yogurt, but never unflavored. They will eat buttered toast. Applesauce is hit or miss. They hate Kashi waffles, won't go near oatmeal, and they hate the "natural" peanut butter.
We've been able to gradually convert foster kids.
First, regular PB and J with lots of sugar and white bread (comfort food they had in bio home).
Then same thing, but wheat bread. Then whole wheat bread.
Then we swapped the peanut butter for natural peanut butter.
Finally we switched to mashed up banana instead of jelly.
The kids help make homemade uncrustables which I also think helped.
We swapped pancakes, waffles and french toast sticks in a similar way by gradually adjusting the ratio of whole wheat flour and letting them help us make them. We swapped syrup for chocolate chips in the pancakes then switched to fruit.
I usually meal prep on weekends and the kids "help." They are more likely to eat food they helped make.
We've also had a 10 year old who didn't like traditional breakfast food (or at least our healthy options, she asked for super sweet cereal a lot). She asked if she could eat hummus instead 🤣 I'm not going to pick that battle, so she ate hummus and veggies/crackers for breakfast most days.
My kids have taken to eating oatmeal with peanut butter mixed in. I'll throw in a little of my vanilla protein powder for flavor and a little dark chocolate chips. They really like that version of oatmeal. I also make it with milk instead of water to help with the flavor (we do it microwaved)
Instant oatmeal packets. I have one of these sample-size humans at my house, and, dear G-d…mornings are sometimes rough. But instant oatmeal is fast and she likes it. Remember, fed is best! Don’t beat yourself up.
Other things I’d consider: Yogurt, Cheese toast (toast a piece of bread, lay on a bit of cheese and microwave until melty-but-not-molten), Peanut butter toast, Apple butter toast (I make my own apple butter from the reject apples at the store using my crockpot).
Pair any of those with some milk and half a banana.
Instant oatmeal is packed with sugar and most of the fiber has been stripped from the oats. That being said, making a packet of instant oats and then adding it to a bowl of plain Greek yogurt is delicious and takes away a bit from it being a carb sugar bomb. My kids liked it when I made it for them (without telling them what it is)
I wish they would sell the flavoring on its own
Quaker instant oatmeal has zero sugar.
Any food is “breakfast food”. Western breakfast options are incredibly limited. So as well as all the things mentioned, sometimes we have noodles, fried rice, leftovers from the night before, miso soup, dal, roti, maybe a piece of leftover pizza, a toastie. Anything’s fair game so long as it has a nice balance of carbs and protein.
Honestly I never thought of it that way thank you for the perspective
Porridge / oatmeal.
2 minutes in microwave and cool with berries/milk.
I add his multivitamin to a fruit pouch and throw like 2 eggs into a pan with some seasonings and some cheese. Paprika is bell pepper, ergo he has some veggies! /s
But for reals scrambled eggs + blueberries in plain Greek yogurt sweetened with a touch of honey (or maple syrup for under 1yo) is my kids favorite breakfast plus his vitamin pouch. It takes me like 6 minutes to prepare and I can make enough eggs for me to eat something too, so it’s a win/win!
Overnight Oats — rolled oats in water, keep in fridge, ready to eat chilled in AM add cinnamon & nuts & berries in AM
Scrambled tofu & veggies plus fruit
Soup & toast —a great breakfast in winter
Yeah I'm sure young kids will be rushing down the stairs for their ....cold oats and tofu. You do know tofu is essentially soy right? It's full of phytoestregens that have been known to mimic estrogen and mess with people's hormones. It's a terrible thing to feed anyone let alone a developing child.
If you make it like they said rather than acting like those are the only ingredients, yeah, those are perfectly fine.
Phytoestrogens are more complicated than that, and the evidence is conflicting as to whether they have any significant effect on humans, with the strongest conclusion being that more study is needed. The strong myths around them are not necessarily reflective of the current body of research.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing these!
I meal prep two packages of flour tortillas with eggs, sausage, bacon, salsa, onions, cheese and cilantro. Freeze them and microwave them for 10 sec
Bacon and eggs is a very nutritious breakfast. People complain about bacon but it has a lot of electrolytes, it's considered a complete high quality protein, and has no sugar in it. The last thing you want in the morning is a meal full of carbs like bread that has you feeling sluggish like you need to sleep again.
Hard boiled eggs with a side of fruit is my kids favorite. Or vanilla Greek yogurt with strawberries
Please give me your best on "on the go" breakfast ideas for kids/preteens. We have a pretty long commute to school/work so she normally eats in the car. Would like to keep it relatively healthy also. Thanks!
Burritos- takes a bit to make them all but with the help of your kids it shouldn’t take long.
Cook up all the ingredients and then let them cool fully before you wrap them and put them in the freezer. A lil time in the microwave and you’re good to go
Baked egg bites - cook them in a muffin tray
Scrambled egg sandwich (on toast) or protein bar.
Yogurt parfaits, apples + cheese cubes + crackers, pb&j / pb & banana sandwiches
Any suggestions about making breakfast for a toddler (18months boy) ? I'm kinda out of ideas here ...
This may be completely irrelevant, but in case you're looking for ideas because your son doesn't seem interested in what you're giving him: I recently had the realisation that my toddler isn't a big brekkie eater no matter how inventive I get. So now we do like a morning tea size snack at brekkie time and a substantial brekkie at morning tea time. Doesn't affect her lunchtime eating so I guess that's just what her eating needs naturally are.
Same here. My little one just doesn’t eat much breakfast, prefers a big later morning snack. Even if she’s given something like pancakes or donuts she still won’t eat much
My toddler will eat virtually anything I put in her front of her. (She’s magic; I know it.) But, she won’t eat it before 8am.
Ha same - very adventurous eater, good amounts, but just picks at brekkie - so we just roll with it. She knows her food needs better than anyone
Some people just aren't into food when they first wake up.
Yes, exactly - I wasn't a big brekkie eater before getting pregnant either so maybe it's genetic haha
My toddler is the same way.
My son’s favorite food is shakshuka so that is what we usually have for breakfast. If you would like a recipe I have one from my husband’s family that we translated into English. It’s a North African dish, also common in the Middle East, basically eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers, garlic, onions, spices, etc. Very delicious and nutritious. :)
That sounds delicious! I would love the recipe if you are still interested in sharing. :)
My go to is banana pancakes. One egg, one banana. Mix ‘‘em up. Then add oat flour to get to a batter consistency. Add cinnamon, berries, veggies if you want to sneak them in. Throw on the griddle for a minute or two each side.
My 2 year old had macaroni and cheese for breakfast yesterday 🤦🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ she grabbed it out of the pantry and would not let it go. Not a battle her dad wanted to fight at 730am 😂
We aren't super inventive with breakfast. Non sugary cereal with berries, toast, and yoghurt and fruit are the staples. Occasionally might do pancakes or French toast.
Are you just looking for a bit of variety? What does your kiddo normally eat?
Looking for some other nutritious options. I always put fresh fruit on their plate too.
Edit: I’m all for that concept of having non-traditional American breakfast foods and we actually do eat a wider variety of foods. However, typically early morning on school days their appetites are different than later in the day when they’re more open to eating a wider variety of stuff. I just wanted to get a better sense of what other kids will actually eat that early. I feel I have to get them something half nutritious before they get out the door because their lunch times are 6 hours after they wake up.
No reason they can’t have any given food at breakfast, not just “traditional” breakfast foods.
In history people ate for breakfast what was left over from dinner. Also a hearty soup makes a good breakfast. Make a smoothie with Kefir, ancient grain hot cereals like amaranth or spelt, soup beans , peanut butter on healthy bread toast. Cottage cheese and fruit,
Yup I agree. Just trying to get some ideas of what people have successfully given their kids for breakfast that they like as breakfast. My kids like beef w/broccoli in brown sauce, but they do not want it for breakfast….I’ve tried.
Turn the beef with broccoli into an omelette or fried rice. Adding an egg might make them think "breakfast"
Protein waffles. Kodiak makes them, and Aldi also has good ones. Butter, jam, syrup and/or nut butter. You can eat them like a piece of toast if you’re in a hurry. Serve with any of the above and berries or sliced bananas if you’re not in a rush.
Yeah that’s usually the limitation on early morning school days. I have to get something nutritious in them because they get up 6 and their lunches aren’t until 12:30!
We often do meat and rice for breakfast, sometimes soup. I HATE sweet breakfast, it always makes me feel like crap all day, so we eat dinner food for breakfast lol
I absolutely love meat and rice for breakfast! My husband and I were talking how we think its insane "normal" breakfast foods (pancakes, waffles, muffins etc) are soo sugary and why this is normalized 😂
Yep. On days I go to work I have fruit & cereal or fruit & yogurt.
I don't eat breakfast on non-work days, just eat lunch and on a weekend that's when I'd eat something line pancakes- which is way too much food for breakfast.
Im mexican american and we grew up eating breakfast burritos. scrambled eggs (sometimes with chorizo), bacon, and potatoes (and salsa).
Who says you can't have regular pizza for breakfast?
Congee with soft boiled eggs is incredible on a cold morning.
Sharing this for a breakfast idea for yall with crazy kids like mine lol
My nearly 3 year old basically swears off food in the mornings and by the time we get to work (he goes into work with me) he's ravaging the work fridge for everyone else's food. Lol
The kid LOVES freezer pops though. So. I have discovered the power of making my own ice pops. And not only ice pops.. Breakfast ice pops. Lol
Yogurt (we use vanilla greek), fruit (whatever frozen fruit you like), and granola (we make our own: oats, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, chia seeds, vanilla, and maple syrup) blended and dumped into an ice pop mold. He LOVES them. And actually eats them and it satisfies him until at least snack time lol
Probably old news, but works great for us! A little messy..but i just keep them in their jammers and let them eat breakfast then change them into their daily clothes anyway so its not to big a deal😅
I hope it helps someone!
Thats such a fun idea! I’ve been looking for something to feed my daughter before swimming class on Saturdays. She gets a proper breakfast after, but often needs somethings small before.
We do smoothies frozen in those thin plastic bags. It’s an easy grab and go healthy choice
Frozen gogurt works in a pinch!
Smart!!!!
Love this idea!
I made my own icecream with greek yoghurt and frozen banana and strawberries. My daughter has had that for breakfast, because the only difference to her usual breakfast of yoghurt with fruit is, that it‘s frozen. But I love the idea of adding oats or other seeds.
breakfast ideas for kids
Here are some fun and nutritious breakfast ideas for kids:
Smoothie Bowls:
Overnight Oats:
Egg Muffins:
Whole Grain Pancakes or Waffles:
Peanut Butter Banana Toast:
Yogurt Parfaits:
Breakfast Quesadillas:
Tips:
These ideas are not only nutritious but also fun and easy to prepare, making breakfast a delightful start to the day!
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